Things I love...

I have spent the afternoon a bit irritated. So, I thought a list of things I am enjoying right now would help me re-focus my mind.

This being said, my God and my kids are obvious list-toppers.

*quotes from The Big Bang Theory.

*frozen yogurt from a specific serve yo*self shop.

*laughing with friends

*hopes for a vacation

*free nook books

Yep, I feel a little better.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

7 it is

7 Things I love about you, Brody:

1. When you love something, you talk about it. You showed your grandparents and auntie approximately 37 ocean animals over skype today.

2. Your endless amounts of energy. I am determined to bottle it up and sell it on the black market.

3. You have fought hard to mature. You have been a good example in class at school, and you fight to exercise self control. Some moments you win, some you lose. But you are willing to face the opportunity to make a different choice.

4. Your smile and your laugh. The joy is CONTAGIOUS, my son.

5. That you call Koleson, Baby Koleson. Dareth and I hope you will do this into his teen years.

6. How you can be socially awkward at times. I'm not sure that it is your autism that's showing as much as your genetic code from your mama.

7. I love how you have wrestled with the Lord these past couple of months. You haven't been afraid to ask hard faith questions in regards to Grandma K, you have been honest with the fear you have had, and you have talked it out with your God. It has been difficult as your mom to watch you ask the tough stuff, knowing the Lord responded with a no to some of your questions. But it has been so beautiful at the same time. You are growing in your faith, and that takes my breath away.

I am so very grateful to be your mom. And in what I am bracing myself to be a more difficult year of growth for you, I am praying you will continue to chase God with the questions of your heart.

You are pure joy. With a side of crazy and no appreciation for sarcasm. The perfect blend for our family. I love you!

Miss B

I have known Miss B since she was in first grade or so. Maybe second grade. All I know is that she is 18 now, so I've know her a long time. I had her in the first kid's church class I taught. I prayed with her as she came up through the youth group. I've cheered her on as she traveled to Africa on her first missions trip. And I have served youth alongside her. And I've watched her serve my son as a habilitation worker.

I've watched and prayed as this young girl transformed into a beautiful woman. I've watched her suffer through some personal stuff, only to see her accept it's purpose in relating to the people of Africa. I've watched her give to friendships that have cost her heart. I've witness someone who is willing to wrestle anything and everything out with the God of the universe and come out with authenticity, peace, and more passion for her Savior.

Miss B isn't cut from the same cloth as most 18 year olds of her time. She embraces the awkward, isn't concerned about her image, and just loves, well, EVERYONE. B proves that young people can turn this world around! She makes me want to be a better servant of Christ, a better mom, and a better friend. I want to be like her when I grow up!

Miss B is beginning a new journey this week: a journey that takes her away from her physical location. She is about to have a grand adventure as she follows after the Lord. To say that I am proud of her is a gross understatement. She is loving and serving and following all while feeling the riskiness of it all, and she is going anyway.

Miss B is a treasure to our family. She has gifted us with her love, her patience, and her kindness. She has loved Brody sweetly and hysterically and has been such a phenomenal example to our daughter. And she has been a good friend to me. We have had such rich conversations that I will treasure throughout this life.

Miss B, your life is a testimony of the beauty of God. As you embark on this next chapter, know that you are bring covered in prayer and thought of each day. Thank you for always being you - your authenticity is a gift to those who know you and those who you will meet. I look forward to some skype lunch dates and just hearing about all God is teaching you. You are such an example to your nieces and nephews - what is more important for them to know than to follow the Lord whole heartedly? You amaze me, my friend. And I am certain Gma is bragging to the crowd of witnesses she is a part of, telling Abraham, Moses, and Rahab that "that's my grandaughter!" You remind me of her so much, just like your mama does. What a legacy!